Living Timeline brings history life at Johnson Elementary

Fifth-graders at the Fort Collins school portrayed historical figures in U.S. history during the event.

Feb. 26, 2013

Johnson Elementary fifth-graders recently dressed up as famous people in American history and created a 'Living Timeline' in school hallways. The historical figures came to life and talked about their contributions when approached by other students, teachers and parents. Pictured here, at right, is a student portraying Paul Revere. / Courtesy of Deb Hooker

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Deb Hooker

Poudre School District

As part of Johnson Elementary School's 'Living Timeline' and a larger research project on influential figures in United States history, fifth-graders dressed up and answered questions as if they were Barack Obama, Meriwether Lewis and others. Pictured, at left, is a student portraying test pilot Chuck Yeager. / Courtesy of Deb Hooker/Poudre School District

As part of Johnson Elementary School's 'Living Timeline,' a student portrayed Dolly Madison, at right. / Courtesy of Deb Hooker/Poudre School District

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Dopplegangers of famous Americans such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey fielded questions from students, parents and staff during a recent Johnson Elementary School event that also brought back to life the likes of Susan B. Anthony, Neil Armstrong and Steve Jobs.

Fifth-graders at the Fort Collins school last week dressed up as famous people in American history and lined the hallways in chronological order for the “Living Timeline.” The historical figures came to life when approached by others, talking about their historical contributions and answering questions.

“I was actually born in 1914 and I was the first person to break the sound barrier,” said Bryson Orwick, who played test pilot and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Chuck Yeager. “I flew an X-1 fighter plane.”

Fifth-grade teacher Diane Witteveld said the Living Timeline was the culmination of a five-week research project on famous Americans. Before that, students learned how to research and complete a report.

“We have a lot of presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama and first ladies. We have a few athletes. Steven Spielberg is new this year,” Witteveld added, noting that the project makes a big impression on students. “It’s something they never forget. It’s more than doing a worksheet.”

Bryson, who liked making the artistic backdrop, wanted to research Yeager because of a family connection.

“My great-grandfather knew him. They were both airplane mechanics in World War II,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the project. “You get to research someone you know nothing about and learn all of these cool things.”

Fifth-grader Kieran O’Sullivan portrayed Patrick Henry, a politician who served as the Governor of Virginia and was involved in the independence movement in the 1770s.

“He gave a famous speech ‘Give me Liberty or Give me Death,’” said Kieran, who said was a little surprised at how much he enjoyed the project. “When you get started working on it, you might think it’s hard, but it’s really fun.”

Fifth-grader Lindsey Beard characterized Pocahontas, a Virginian Indian captured by the English and associated with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Va.

“I learned that Pocahontas was a woman that fought for her beliefs. She did a lot of peacekeeping,” Lindsey said.

Second-grader Ella Anderson was one among dozens who visited with many of the people featured in the “cool” Living Timeline.

“This shows people how the world was before we were alive,” she said. “Sojourner Truth was my favorite. She stood up for women’s rights. And she’s also my sister.”

Deb Hooker is a spokeswoman with Poudre School District. She and others occasionally contribute content to the Coloradoan’s weekly education page.